January 5th 2015 Blockbuster Introduction:

1. What is a flop?
A film that is viewed as highly unsuccessful or unprofitable during its theatrical run, the film has to earn less than double the production budget ($150-200 million) in order for it to flop.

2. How much does a film need to earn to be successful?
Twice the production budget of $150-200 million.

3. What are some factors that effect this (audience behaviors, technology?)
- If people are watching it in the cinemas they make more of the same film
- Online watching (illegal piracy) instead of going to the cinemas 

4. How does this affect the reasons and the decisions behind which films are made or shown?
- Whether or not there can be more films made (sequels)
- You have to spend more money to make more money e.g. A list celebrities

5. What is a franchise movie?
- A series - multiple films e.g. Star Wars

6. What is a multiplex?
- Chains of cinemas (Showcase, Cineworld, Vue, Odeon, Empire)
- Multiple screens
- Multiple viewings of the same film 

7. What is a fleapit?
- Independent cinemas 
- Not part of the chain
- Based in the middle of nowhere (not easily accessible)
- 1 or 2 screens in the cinema
- Greater variety of films

8. What is the Film Flop Formula?
- An idea/formula put in place by Mark Kamode (BBC Film Critic) to ensure films don't flop
They have to include:
- An A list star
- Have a big budget
- Spend a lot of money on special/visual effects
- Not a comedy film
- You have to spend money to make money

9. What is an event movie?
- Big event
- Encourages a big audience to come and view it
- Part of a group
- A shared experience 

10. Formulaic Special Effects?
- Formulaic special effects is a huge factor of films
- People are made to like them 
- Special effects (CGI) prevents piracy - makes people want to go to the cinema
- Creates an experience

11. Blockbusters?
- Social values
- Audiences are going to watch blockbusters
- Blockbusters include special effects
- People are told to watch it
- There is limited choices
- Cinemas only play blockbusters
- Blockbusters have huge advertisement 

* Marketing is a huge factor of films
* Merchandising: Lots of money made out of the company
* CGI prevents piracy